The Department of Environment and Heritage has welcomed a decision by the Planning and Environment Court in Cairns to uphold a nature refuge declaration for the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve on Cape York in far north Queensland.

Traditional owners had alleged the refuge declaration was invalid, claiming the department and Silverback Properties, which is owned by the Irwin family, had not followed due process in allowing part of the site to be turned into a nature reserve.

However, Judge William Everson ruled all requirements had been addressed adequately.

A spokesman for Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell says the department is now considering the judgment and its implications.

The Cape York Land Council is calling on Silverback Properties to meet traditional owners, to negotiate a compromise on the management of the reserve.

Council chairman Richie Ahmat says they want to protect and maintain sacred sites on the land and will continue fighting.

"We'll regroup, reconvene, and then we'll make a decision going forward," he said.

"Obviously we're not going to lie down without a fight - that's not the way of the Cape York Land Council and that's definitely not the way of the traditional owners."

Gina Nona of the Atambaya clan says her people need access to the property, to protect and maintain sacred sites.

"There's birthing site there for ladies and we've got a burial site there," she said.

"We're not included in the management and we would like to see that we get recognised in the agreement.

"No-one's listening to us, we're very disappointed but we will still go on."

A spokeswoman for the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve says she is happy to discuss management of cultural resources with traditional owners.

Suzelie Connelly, from the Irwin family-owned Silverback Properties, says the Atambaya people are always welcome on the land, and the protection of cultural sites is crucial.

"We recognise and I think everyone recognises, including the judge, that their presence and their involvement is regarded as crucial to good management of the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve refuge and the long-term care of the country."